Diamond Jubilee History
By M. M. Howard Miller, Originally published in the 75th Anniversary booklet in 1990
Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
The
church itself is late French Gothic. Its lines are quite refined,
in the style of the nave of Chartres. The light of the high
stained glass windows seem to float the spirit, while they
instruct and inspire.
Steel and Boise stone was used for interior ornamentation. Caen stone enrichment was worked into the interior throughout along traditional gothic lines. Further richness was obtained by the use of American Oak carvings. The execution of these designs was the work of a noted Belgian wood carver, Martin Barbier.
The stained glass windows were the creations of a famous German artist, Dr. Gerhard Oidtmann. They were shipped from Germany in panels which were assembled and put in place at the church. Their jewel-like colors and exquisite design, are most remarkable because of the larger than life figures. The faces have an almost shocking reality.
Several years later, not totally unexpectedly, the church steeple had to be removed, redesigned and "earthquake proofed" by the Martins. Although the new tower is very similar to the old one, it is actually a light fberglass in a new steel frame. To ventilate the church, Father Konoske had the stained glass windows in the sanctuary, sacristy and confessionals put on frames so they could be opened. The first Parish Council, which was begun during his tenure, was the prototype of those later started in the parishes of the Archdiocese.
Anita Watson and her mother, Mrs. James J. Watson, gave the confessional doors, Our Lady's altar and the bells.
Dennis J. Cahill and his wife gave the pews, which he made from wood that he carefully selected at his lumber company and C.C. Ganahl and his wife, Margaret, gave the doors of the church from his lumber company. The actual making of the doors and pews was accomplished by Pacif~c Wood Products, another donor.
The altar rail was given by Marie and Walter Smith. Their four sons Morris, Bob, Dick and Larry, all went to St. Brendan's. Larry is a very active member of the parish—he redesigned the gardens, and is now a Eucharistic Minister.
In 1933, Father William Mullane, Father Forde's cousin, became pastor during the abyss of the Depression and served until 1940. He attempted to survive in the difficult economic period, paying a lowered interest on the debt and retiring some of the principle. Practicing optimum frugality, the only light in the church during Mass, was supplied by one candle on the altar and one lighted sconce on the wall. The extensive heating system was rarely used.
Father Mullane discovered that the hard working sisters, who were having more than normal illnesses, had less than adequate food. The Altar Society ladies started immediate and regular donations of food.
